As shoppers continue flocking online to check off their holiday gift lists, deliveries are increasing across the Front Range — where more than 2 million packages were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service last week alone.

But as packages reach front stoops, "porch pirates" may come out of the woodwork.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your beloved parcels this holiday season?

1. Consider an alternate delivery destination

If you're not home during the day, think about getting the parcel delivered to a friend or neighbor who could pick up and hang on to your parcel until you get home. Or opt to have your package held at a post office, FedEx store or UPS store until you're ready to pick it up.

2. Sign up for package notifications

If you're using the U.S. Postal Service, you can set up an account at myusps.com and sign up for text or email alerts to track your packages as they're being shipped. When the package is delivered, you'll receive a notification. From there, you can run home or have neighbor or friend retrieve it.

3. Require a signature

When ordering something online, you can typically request a signature for delivery. That way, your package can only be released if you, or someone, is home to sign for it.

If using FedEx, you can register for something called Delivery Manager. Through that program, you'll be alerted when your FedEx package is headed to your address. If you're not home yet and want to redirect your package to your office or another secure location, you can do so through the program. FedEx also lets you schedule a delivery for a time when you know you'll be home.

Ask a trusted neighbor, or family member who is home during the day, to keep an eye out for your packages. By asking someone to hang onto your packages before you get home, you can reduce the time packages sit on your porch or in your mailbox — also reducing the time a package thief has to spot and steal your package.

If you know you'll be out of town over the holidays, don't forget to place a vacation hold on your mail to reduce the chances of packages being delivered only to sit on your porch. You can do so at holdmail.usps.com, UPS.com or FedEx.com.

How it works: This battery-operated, Frisbee-sized device connects to your home's wifi and can be placed on, or attached to, your porch. Using the Package Guard app connected to your device, you'll get an app notification or text when a package has been delivered (and placed on) the padlike device. If someone removes the package without you disarming it through the app, the device will let out a loud alarm.

How it works: With so many on the market now, several security cameras offer different features. Blink, for instance, offers a home security camera system that can be self installed and connect to your smartphone. The $99 camera, which operates off of your home's wifi, has a built-in motion sensor alarm that, when triggered, will send an alert to your phone and a short video clip of the movement to the cloud. Other options, like Eques' $79 Greeter Digital Door Viewer, don't require wifi or smartphone apps. Instead, they only require a peep hole and record activity at your front door on an SD card.

Track your packages and be sure to follow up on delivery dates. If your package shows that it was delivered but you never received it, file a report with Fort Collins Police Services. You can do so online at fcgov.com/police.

If you see someone in your neighborhood quickly exiting a vehicle, taking packages from a porch, returning to the vehicle and leaving, call the police and give them a description of the vehicle.